Estimate Your Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Points
Use this free estimator to check whether you are likely to meet New Zealand’s 6-point SMC threshold. This tool is for planning only and is not legal advice.
Choose your strongest base pathway
The calculator automatically uses the highest value from qualification, registration, or income.
Important: Immigration policy changes over time. Always confirm details at Immigration New Zealand.
How this New Zealand immigration points calculator works
This page helps you quickly estimate your eligibility under the Skilled Migrant Category residence pathway. The current framework generally expects applicants to:
- Have skilled employment (or a skilled job offer) in New Zealand,
- Meet English language requirements,
- Be within age limits, and
- Reach at least 6 points using approved criteria.
The calculator focuses on the core scoring structure: your best base pathway (qualification, occupational registration, or income) plus points from skilled work experience completed in New Zealand.
Point categories explained
1) Qualification pathway
You can claim points for recognized qualifications at specific NZQF levels. In general, higher qualifications attract more points.
2) Occupational registration pathway
Some occupations in New Zealand require formal registration. Depending on the training period required for your registration, you may claim 3 to 6 points.
3) Income pathway
If your skilled role pays above defined wage multiples, you may qualify for points based on income instead of qualification or registration.
4) Skilled work in New Zealand
Time spent in skilled work in New Zealand can add up to 3 points, which may help you reach the 6-point total.
What this calculator does not replace
While this tool is practical for planning, it cannot replace an official assessment. Immigration officers evaluate many details, including:
- Whether your job is classified as skilled under current policy,
- Whether your documents meet formatting and verification rules,
- Health and character checks,
- Evidence of English language ability, and
- Any occupation-specific licensing requirements.
Example scenarios
Example A: Master’s degree + 1 year NZ skilled work
Base points: 5 (Master’s) + Work points: 1 = Total 6. This profile likely meets the points threshold if other criteria are satisfied.
Example B: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years NZ skilled work
Base points: 3 + Work points: 2 = Total 5. This profile is close but usually needs one more point.
Example C: 3x median wage salary
Base points: 6 via income. If the role is skilled and all mandatory criteria are met, this profile is often strong.
Checklist before you apply
- Passport and identity records
- Employment agreement and job description
- Pay evidence and tax records (if claiming income points)
- Qualification documents and assessments (if applicable)
- Professional registration proof (if applicable)
- English test evidence or exempt evidence
- Medical and police certificates when requested
Common mistakes to avoid
- Claiming points from multiple base pathways when only one is allowed.
- Overstating work experience that does not fit the skilled criteria.
- Using outdated wage thresholds.
- Assuming a qualification is automatically recognized without proper assessment.
- Submitting incomplete evidence with your application.
Final thoughts
If you are serious about migrating, use this calculator as your first filter, then verify everything against the latest official instructions. If your case is complex, consider speaking with a licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer.